Media Organizations

News media organizations (radio, TV, print, online) play a crucial role in informing people about the Great Oregon ShakeOut. Media organizations, reporters, writers, and others are encouraged to participate in several ways:

Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Have your employees Drop to the ground, take Cover under a table or desk, and Hold On to it as if a major earthquake were happening (stay down for at least 60 seconds). Practice now so your employees will immediately protect themselves during earthquakes! (See this page for what to do if outside, driving, in a tall building, or other situations.)

While still under the table, or wherever you are, look around and imagine what would happen in a major earthquake. What would fall on you or others? What would be damaged? What would life be like after? What will your business do before the actual earthquake happens to reduce losses and quickly recover?

(Optional) Practice what your media organization will do after the shaking stops.

After your drill is complete, have discussions about what was learned and incorporate these lessons into your disaster plan.

Be prepared for the possibility that your employees may need to shelter in place for 2 – 3 days.

Store at least one gallon of water per person, per day.

What other supplies might you need if transportation routes were blocked and employees or customers needed to remain in your facility for an extended length of time?

Identify any structural weaknesses in your building: ask a local earthquake retrofitting contractor for a structural inspection, and develop a plan to address any issues. If you rent your facility, ask the building owner about the state of the building. Consider whether earthquake insurance is right for you.

Once your media organization is registered, you will receive ShakeOut preparedness tips, event updates, and more. Forward these to your membership and ask them to register, and forward the e-mails to everyone who matters to them. With your help this can become the largest earthquake drill in Oregon history!

Design and host preparedness events to encourage your community to join the ShakeOut and prepare for disasters. Create alliances with other organizations to make the event a bigger success.